Watauga High School Athletic Director Tom Wright Named Interim Head Football at WHS; Succeeds Tim Pruitt

Published Tuesday, June 12, 2012 at 9:34 am

Tom Wright. Photo submitted by Marshall Ashcraft

June 12, 2012. Watuaga High School Athletic Director Tom Wright has been named interim head football coach for the Pioneers effective June 12. The appointment will last at least through the upcoming school year.

“When this position came open, Tom Wright was the first person I wanted to consider for the role,” said Watauga High School Principal Marshall Gasperson. “He has been a fine athletic director, he knows football, and he is familiar with the students at the high school. I look forward to a successful season with Coach Wright at the helm.”

Wright said “I am excited to have this opportunity and I appreciate that Mr. Gasperson is confident in my ability to do the job.”

Wright has been athletic director at Watauga High School for the last three years and has been at the high school since 1995. Prior to becoming athletic director, he was an assistant principal for two years and he has also taught health and physical education.

Wright is succeeding Tim Pruitt as head football coach at the high school. Pruitt announced last week that he was leaving the post effective June 12 based on the decision to relocate to be closer to his wife’s family.

Watauga High School is a comprehensive high school with an enrollment of approximately 1,450 students. It is rated a NC School of Distinction by the NC Department of Public Instruction based on the academic proficiency and growth of its students and additional indicators of student success.